Catherine Aird – winner of the Diamond Dagger for crime writing

Have you read any Catherine Aird? She’s won this year’s prestigious Diamond Dagger award for crime writing, following in the footsteps of luminaries such as Simon Brett, P.D James, Lee Child and Frederick Forsyth.

The winner of the Diamond Dagger is chosen from a shortlist of authors nominated by the Crime Writers Association members. It features writers judged worthy by their peers and they must meet two essential criteria- their careers must be marked by sustained excellence, and they must have made a significant contribution to crime fiction published in the English language, whether originally or in translation. The award is made purely on merit without reference to age, gender or nationality.

Catherine Aird’s career spans over six decades and she’s written over twenty novels, including the popular Chronicles of Calleshire.

Despite being such a prolific and popular author, Catherine was still surprised to discover she was to be presented the highest honour in the crime writing genre. “It feels very nice indeed, I can assure you! I am absolutely delighted. I’m so glad to be part of such a happy group as the CWA and we do all tend to read each other’s work. I think I’ve enjoyed writing my books probably more than my readers have enjoyed reading them.”

The Diamond Dagger will be presented to Catherine at the Hotel Russell in London on 30th June 2015.